A Russian Grain Terminal Is About to Get “Smart”
Russia is preparing to launch an AI‑enabled grain terminal that is expected to triple cargo throughput and dramatically reduce vessel wait times through predictive, fully digitalized management
A New Class of Smart Port Infrastructure
The Makhachkala Commercial Sea Port is nearing the launch of a next‑generation grain terminal built on digital systems and artificial intelligence.
The project, implemented together with China’s Famsun — a global supplier of grain‑handling and storage technologies — aims to make the terminal one of the most technologically advanced facilities in Russia’s agricultural logistics.
Tablet‑Level Control of an Entire Terminal
The modernization introduces a fully automated control system managing every stage of bulk‑grain operations. The platform oversees grain reception from trucks and railcars, silo distribution, internal transport and vessel loading. All parameters — from equipment status to cargo allocation — will be available in real time, including via mobile devices.
AI algorithms will optimize grain flows inside the terminal, automatically routing cargo based on volume, crop type and vessel‑arrival schedules.
This reduces unnecessary movements and minimizes downtime. Predictive diagnostics are also embedded: load, vibration and temperature sensors will identify potential equipment failures in advance, enabling scheduled maintenance and eliminating emergency stoppages.
Quality Tracking and Throughput Growth
Electronic systems will also enhance quality control. Laboratory results will be automatically linked to specific grain lots at every stage of storage and shipment, reducing manual work and the risk of accounting errors.
The terminal’s planned capacity is up to 1.5 million tons per year, with simultaneous storage of up to 100,000 tons. This will nearly triple current grain‑handling performance at the port. Digitalized operations are expected to shorten vessel‑processing time and balance infrastructure load, directly improving throughput and port economics.
Part of the North–South International Transport Corridor
The project strengthens Russia’s export routes in the Caspian region and supports development of the North–South Transport Corridor. According to port leadership, the introduction of AI and automation creates a foundation for further cargo growth while avoiding staff expansion and rising operating costs. Notably, the Makhachkala port is Russia’s only deep‑water, non‑freezing port on the Caspian Sea.
